Varca Beach, Goa

A new destination with a strong local identity

Varca beach is a long 10km stretch of clean soft white sand situated just 5km south of the popular tourist resort of Benaulim in the south of Goa. The area is relatively undeveloped compared with Goa’s more northern beaches. Tourism plays an important role in Goa’s economy. Keppie’s proposed masterplan for this site aims to create a new destination with a strong local identity.

The master plan accommodates a 176 room hotel with 20 suites and20 studio apartments and 271 dwellings of varying sizes located ina series of discrete zones with parks, urban spaces, and associated amenities: club houses, swimming pools, and tennis courts. This creates a rich and varied living experience with its own sense of community.

The master plan also responds to the demands of the local climate. The design works with the surrounding environment by adopting passive design strategies such as natural ventilation, the use of shading devices, the use of locally sourced materials, and the enhancement of ecological conditions to encourage diversity in habitat through specific landscaping features.